About the artwork
A 20 Euro banknote serves as the ground for a direct intervention by the artist,featuring his signature "Cope" tag rendered in a bold,calligraphic style across the face of the currency. The tag,executed in black marker,overlays the banknote's printed elements,including the "20 EURO" denomination and the architectural imagery. The artist's signature,"Cope2," is visible,along with the year "2019," indicating the date of creation. The artwork exemplifies the artist's practice of appropriating everyday objects and surfaces as a medium for his graffiti. This approach connects the work to the broader history of street art,where artists utilize public and unconventional spaces for creative expression. The choice of a Euro banknote places the work within a specific economic and cultural context,transforming a circulating medium of exchange into a unique art object. The intervention alters the banknote's primary function,imbuing it with artistic value and commentary on the intersection of art,commerce,and public space.
Expert opinion
This work positions itself within the art historical context of Street Art and Urban Art,movements that emerged from graffiti culture and gained prominence in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The practice of tagging currency or other found objects is a recognized facet of this artistic tradition,reflecting themes of appropriation,subversion,and the democratization of art. Fernando Carlo (Cope2) is recognized as a pioneer in the New York graffiti scene,and his transition to gallery and studio work has solidified his market position. His works are sought after by collectors interested in the origins and evolution of street art,with a market that includes both established galleries and auction houses. The value of such pieces is influenced by the artist's reputation,the authenticity of the tag,and the inherent uniqueness of the object.
About the artist
Cope2, whose real name is Fernando Carlo Jr., is a graffiti artist and painter born in 1968 in New York. He is known for his bold, dynamic style, characterized by striking lettering and vivid colors. Emerging in the 1980s, he became a major figure on the New York graffiti scene. His work has been exhibited in galleries around the world, and he remains one of the most influential figures in urban art. He has collaborated with Time Magazine, prestigious brands such as Converse and Adidas, and has recently entered the world of video games such as Mark Eckos: Getting up and Rockstar Games: Grand Theft Auto IV.
Additional info
Signed
3x
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